Welcome to Black History Month at U of T Scarborough
Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada in 1995 and since February of 1996, we take our time to celebrate the amazing accomplishments and legacies of Black individuals throughout Canada and internationally. Black History Month means different things to different people depending on who you are, how you represent, your lived experiences and the different places that we call home. For that reason, at UTSC we recognize that there is not one way to celebrate Black History Month, and we invite you to celebrations, speakers, panels, and family functions in the different modes of expression as we celebrate this incredible month. This is a time of connection, this is a time of joy AND it is important to note that this time, Black History Month must go above and beyond February because the theme, the joy, the connections and all that we celebrate must continue to be important every day, every month every moment.
We are excited to engage in Black History Month with you and we are also excited to go above and beyond February to make sure that Black brilliance is something at the forefront of our minds and thoughts each day. Thank you, everyone and I look forward to taking part with you.
Cherilyn Scobie Edwards
Director of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office
More on Black History Month February 2024 at U of T Scarborough
This year U of T Scarborough celebrates Black Resistance in its diverse forms. In the spirit of wellness, connection, and support please note there are virtual and on-campus mental health services and resources available to our U of T Scarborough community.
Take a moment to explore and register for Black History programming this February and throughout the year at the University. This list will be updated as more events are announced:
U of T Scarborough Black History Month Events 2024
Student Life - Black History Month Event
Thursday February 1st, 2024 12:00 - 1:00 PM
We will highlight the continuing struggle and social justice of / for Black people and the communities but celebrate the liberation, equity and triumphs through Art, Music and Food.
This year our theme will be the Rythm of our ancestors through Pan and Drum.
Register for this Student Life - Black History Month event here.
Our Stories - Black History Month
Location: MW-130
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 12:00 pm - 02:00 pm
Our Stories is a tri-campus series that elevates the voices of international students and new Canadian students.
When: Wednesday, February 7th from noon to 2:00 pm
Where: online via Zoom and in-person in MW-130
The event will:
- focus on Black History Month.
- include a free lunch & activities will be provided for those who attend in-person in MW-130
- be hybrid (the panel will be broacast live in MW-130)
- those unable to attend in person can listen to the panel and join the discussion virtually via Zoom
- have student panelists from UTSC, UTM, and UTSG sharing their lived experience
Hear the voices that shape our campuses, learn from their unique perspectives, and foster a deeper understanding of the vibrant world we inhabit. Let's embark on a journey of discovery and unity as we weave "Our Stories" into the vibrant fabric of our university experience. Celebrate diversity. Embrace unity. Share stories.
Interested in being a panelist? Please email kathleen.meagher@utoronto.ca
For more information please visit the Student Life calendar.
Black History Month: Worlding Feminist Political Economies 2024
“Living Feminist Economics: Black Women Cooperators in Canada, the US and UK speak on Money Liberation and Belonging”
Moderator: Dr. Caroline Hossein - UTSC
Speakers:
Andria Barrett, The Banker Ladies Council
Nia Evans - The Ujima Boston Cooperative
Lynda Louise Burrell and Catherine Ross - Museumand - The Caribbean Heritage Museum
When: Feb 9, 2024 12:00 PM America/Toronto
Where: Online - Zoom - https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/83749831410
(Meeting ID: 837 4983 1410)
Black Student Engagement and Global Mobility Visits Washington DC
UTSC students will visit a Historically Black College / University (HBCU) - Howard University!
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges.
Students pursue 143 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees
There will be a full day of experiential learning at Howard, Meeting with current undergraduate students and able to participate in an inclass lecture. Student Life Activities ETC.
In celebration of Black History Month we will also explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Mounuments and much more.
This is a 4 day 3 night trip for only $200. per person double occupancy room.
Choose your roomate or we can arrange it for you.
This trip is open to all UTSC students
To Register Now and for Payment Options
Visit: https://forms.office.com/r/WphJLsWUfb?origin=lprLink
To cross the border
You must have a Canadian passport or
all others (PR holders or International Students) Must Have / Obtain a US Visa and travel with a valid passport
Register to receive information and supporting Documents
https://uoft.me/BSEHBCUTRIP
To apply for US please visit site to book appointment ASAP Announcements | Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service | Canada | English (usvisa-info.com)
Location: To be determined
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 05:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Kick-Off Panel Discussion
February 6, 2024, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Join a discussion with speakers Tonya Sutherland-Stewart and Melissa J. Nelson. Moderated by Professor Natasha Henry Dixon. Note: no editing or training. More information to come
Edit-a-thon + Wikipedia and Wikidata Training
February 8, 2024, 10 am to 2 pm
Come for community, and learn to edit if you're new! Optional training is offered at the start of the session for Wikipedia (10 am to 12 pm) and half-way through for Wikidata (12 pm to 2 pm). Never edited before? No problem — all are welcome. Drop in and out anytime. This event is identical to the February 15 session.
Edit-a-thon + Wikipedia and Wikidata Training
February 15, 2024, 12 to 4 pm
Come for community, and learn to edit if you're new! Optional training is offered at the start of the session for Wikipedia (12 to 2 pm) and half-way through for Wikidata (2 to 4 pm). Never edited before? No problem — all are welcome. Drop in and out anytime. This event is identical to the February 8 session
Innis College and the Cinema Studies Institute remember late Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer (1975-2023) with a special screening of his first feature, Nurse.Fighter.Boy, which was inspired by his sister’s struggle with sickle cell anemia and nominated for 10 Genie Awards.
Following the screening, a distinguished panel of Charles’s collaborators and friends will reflect on his impactful life and career. Panelists include Yazmeen Kanji, Araya Mengesha, R.T. Thorne, Jake Yanowski, and Nurse.Fighter.Boy co-writer and producer Ingrid Veninger, moderated by Desmond Cole.
Sunday, March 3 at 3pm
Town Hall, Innis College, 2 Sussex Ave
Black History 365: Events and resources all year long
Black Student Engagement is a program that supports and provides connections to services, people and cultivates a sense of belonging and community.
The BRN puts a spotlight on Black research excellence that plays an integral part of what makes the University of Toronto the top university in Canada.
Visit the Black Research Network site and see U of T Scarborough research highlighted here.
The Academic Advising & Career Centre is committed to providing holistic, academic, and career support that centers the experiences, perspectives, and cultural heritage of African, Black and Caribbean students at UTSC.
Learn more and visit the Academic programming for Black students web page here.
The Imani Black Academic Mentorship Program at the University of Toronto Scarborough is a program that serves to create access and inclusion pathways to Black youth in the Scarbrough Community.
Learn more about The Imani Black Academic Mentorship Program here.
The University of Toronto Scarborough Black Alumni Network is committed to fostering a vibrant community that empowers, uplifts and celebrates the achievements and contributions of UTSC Black alumni.
Learn more about the U of T Scarborough Black Alumni Network here.
U of T’s Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office maintains a Black History U of T events calendar all year long.
Visit the Black History 365 Calendar for events all year round.
Signatories of the Scarborough Charter commit to redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion in universities and colleges across Canada.
The UTSC Anti-Black Racism & Black Inclusion Advisory Committee (ABR-BIAC) brings together a reputable and valuable group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners who share our commitment as they undertake initiatives to uphold, sustain, and strengthen UTSC’s strategic priorities and objectives with respect to addressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion at UTSC and whose enriching ideas will guide and support the campus’ efforts in all facets of our mission.
Learn more about the Anti-Black Racism & Black Inclusion Advisory Committee here.
